Film Through Scope Camera Mount System

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are described which provide a film through scope camera mount including a housing that includes a beam splitter, first and second mirrors, and a sensor. The camera mount system may receive an input optical signal from a first direction; split the input optical signal using the beam splitter such that a first portion of the input optical signal may be communicated out of the camera mount system in a second direction and a second portion of the input optical signal may be reflected lateral to the first direction; reflect the reflected signal vertically using the first mirror; reflect the vertically reflected signal in a second lateral direction using the second mirror; and receive the signal reflected by the second mirror in the sensor, which may comprise a visible light sensor and/or an infrared sensor.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.provisional patent application 63/015,788 filed on Apr. 27, 2020, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Recording distant video or images through a scope can suffer from amultitude of difficulties.

For example, a smartphone can be secured behind a scope on a rifle. Thiscan be a rather bulky, off-center configuration in which the shooter nolonger directly looks through the optics of the scope. Instead ofdirectly looking through the scope, the shooter must adjust to adifferent positioning (e.g., the off-center positioning since thesmartphone camera is located in a corner of the smartphone housing) ofthe smartphone and the height and width of the display of thesmartphone. Typically, the human eye has a hard time focusing on objectsthat are approximately 3 to 4 inches away, which is the distance of thefocused visual cone from the scope and is the normal distance of theshooter's eye from the scope on a weapon. The smartphone configurationalters the shooter's natural position behind the scope since the viewermust focus on the off-center display of the smartphone. This can causeinaccurate and/or inconsistent shots. Further, to locate and/or track amoving target, the shooter must repeatedly look from up close (e.g.,approximately 3 to 4 inches away where the display of the smart phone islocated) to far away (e.g., down range where the target is located) andback. Not only does this cause eye strain for the shooter, but alsoimpedes the shooter's ability to locate and/or track the moving target.Finally, the smartphone is difficult to optically align and moves out ofoptical alignment especially when shooting a high recoil rifle.

Some scopes are built with video cameras that employ a display at theback of the scope to display a video image back to the shooter. Theshooter is unable to directly use the optic of the scope and insteadmust rely on the display at the back of the scope. Such scope displaysare stressful for eyes focusing on such a close display, which can makeit difficult for the shooter to locate a target (e.g., a moving target).In particular, when the display is located in the scope, the shooter'seyes dilate to adjust to the artificial light of the internal display.When the shooter looks past the scope to locate a target, the shooter'seyes must adjust its focus for the new distance and constrict toaccommodate the change in lighting conditions (e.g., from artificialinterior light to natural outdoor light). These repeated eye adjustmentscan be the cause of stress and strain on the eye. Further, since thescope is electronic, the scope cannot be used if the battery runs out ofenergy.

Finally, standalone cameras (e.g., a point-and-shoot camera) can bemounted on a rifle. However, such configurations are unwieldy. Moreover,the alignment between the camera and the aiming point of the rifle canbe inconsistent for the shooter. In addition, the camera does notprovide the shooter's view (e.g., a first person shooter's view), butinstead provides a view from a different angle and not the view throughthe scope.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present disclosure as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Systems and methods for providing a film through scope camera mountsystem substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connectionwith at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in theclaims.

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentdisclosure, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof,will be more fully understood from the following description anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example film through scope camera mount system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an example scope according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C show different views of an example embodiment of the cameramount system, in accordance with an example embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the camera mount, in accordancewith an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows two views of internal optical components in the cameramount, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows further views of the internal optical components of acamera mount, in accordance with an example embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows embodiments of seven spacers for aligning a scope with thecamera mount in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the camera mount system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-G show an embodiment of a camera mount system in which thefirst housing is open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in thelist joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any elementof the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, “x, y,and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. As utilized herein, the term “example”means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” set off lists of oneor more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate allembodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead.Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save spaceor for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practicedwith additional components or steps and/or without all of the componentsor steps that are illustrated.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to systems,apparatuses, and methods that provide a film through scope camera mountsystem.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a cameramount system that includes, for example, a film-through-scope mount thatcan be attached to or integrated with a scope that is secured to aweapon such as rifle, for example.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure provide that thefilm through scope camera mount system is positioned behind a scope suchthat a user can look through the optics of the scope at the same time asa camera is recording the same view through the optics of the scope. Thecamera may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: arecording device, a video recorder, an image recorder, one or moresensors, one or more sensor arrays, etc., and can be attached to and/orincorporated into the camera mount system. In some embodiments, via thecamera mount system, the camera receives the same view through the scopeas seen by the user. The camera and the user both share the optic of thescope. Some embodiments provide that no digital screen is necessary forthe user to see through the scope. Instead, the user looks through theoptic of the scope via an eyepiece of the camera mount system.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure provide that thefilm through scope camera mount system includes a plurality of mirrorsincluding, for example, at least one mirror that reflects and transmitslight in different directions. In some embodiments, the plurality ofmirrors includes a beam splitter. The light that is transmitted throughthe mirror travels to the user's eye. The light that is reflectedtravels to the camera (e.g., recording device, video recorder, imagerecorder, one or more sensors, one or more sensor arrays, etc.). In someembodiments in which the light comes through the optics of a scope, theuser can record images or video while also looking through the actualoptics of the scope. Further, the camera and the user both access thesame view at the same angle without any parallax. This can result inless eye strain for the user and greater ease in target location andtracking.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure provide that,although the film through scope camera and/or camera mount system arebattery operated, the user can still use the scope, via the camera mountsystem, even if the camera and/or camera mount system run out of energy(e.g., battery charge) and/or are not powered.

FIG. 1 shows an example film through scope camera mount system accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, acamera mount system 100 includes, for example, a housing 110, aneyepiece 120, mirrors 130A-130C, lenses 132A-132D, and a camera 160. Thecamera mount system 100 may also have an optional mount 150. In someembodiments, the mirrors 130A-130C comprise, for example, one or more ofthe following: an optical device, an optical element, a reflectingmaterial, a transmissive material, an anti-reflective coating, anoptical beam splitter (e.g., an optical beam splitter prism, a device orstructure or element that transmits and reflects light in differentdirections, etc.), etc . . . , depending on the desired optical path.

Each of the mirrors 130A-130C may be optically aligned to work togetherto reflect optic signals received from the scope 170 to the camera 160and the eye 190. The mirror 130A may comprise a beam splitter, where aportion of the optical passes through to the eyepiece 120 and theremaining signal is reflected to mirror 1308. The mount 150 mayconfigured for securing and/or positioning the camera mount system 100.In addition that mount 150 is directly coupled to scope 170. In someembodiments, the mount 150 includes a flip-to-side mount that is used onweapons such as rifles, hand guns, bows, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, the camera 160 of the camera mount system 100 isaligned with the optical path defined by the mirrors 130A-130C andlenses 132A-E. In some embodiments, the camera 160 and the camera mountsystem 100 are integrated into a single unit. In some embodiments, thecamera 160 is removably attached and/or secured to the camera mountsystem 100. The camera 160 can include, for example, a camera, arecorder, a video recorder, an image recorder, one or more sensors, oneor more camera sensors, etc. The sensors may comprise visible and/orinfrared/thermal sensors.

Scope 170 is positioned in front of the camera mount system 100. In someembodiments, the scope 170 and the camera mount system 100 areintegrated into a single unit. In some embodiments, the scope 170 ispositioned in front of the camera mount system 100 and removably securedand/or attached to the camera mount system 100. In some embodiments, themount 180 includes a flip-to-side mount for the scope and/or the cameramount system 100. The scope 170 includes, for example, a mount 180 andoptical elements (not shown). In some embodiments, the scope 170provides magnification, focus, and field-of-view adjustmentcapabilities.

In some embodiments, the scope 170 is mounted on a weapon (or otherplatform) via its mount 180, which can allow adjustments for changingthe position (e.g., elevation, windage, etc.) of the scope 170. Thecamera mount system 100 may be mounted on the scope 170 and/or on theweapon (or other platform) so that the eyepiece 120 of the camera mountsystem 100 optically aligns with the optical elements of the scope 170.In some embodiments, the mount 150 of the camera mount system 100 isprovided to allow adjustments for changing the position (e.g.,elevation, windage, etc.) of the camera mount system 100 and/or elements(e.g., optical elements, mirrors, etc.) in the camera mount system 100.In some embodiments, the mount 150 is optional, and the housing 110 isremovably attached to the scope 170.

In some embodiments, the mount 150 of the camera mount system 100includes a flip-to-side mount so that the camera 160 and the housing 110of the camera mount system 100 can be flipped to the side giving theuser direct access to the scope 170 with no housing 110 therebetween. Insome embodiments, one or more flip-to-side mounts 180 and/or 150 can beused to flip one or more of the camera 160, the housing 110, and/or thescope 170 to the side.

Some embodiments provide that one or both of the scope 170 and thecamera 160 can be attached to the housing 110 of the camera mount system100. The scope 170 and/or the camera 160 can be attached to the housing110 by any number of ways including one or more of the following: acollet system; tightened collars (e.g., screw-tightened collars);cam-lever tightened collars and/or systems; sleeves (e.g., eye-piecesleeves); screws (e.g., nylon-tipped set screws and other types ofscrews); fasteners; straps (e.g., Velcro straps, hook-and-loop fastenerstraps, rubber straps, etc.); etc.

In operation according to some embodiments, light such as, for example,light forming an image of a target that is in the distance, for example,enters the scope 170 and is focused and/or magnified by the scope 170before entering the camera mount system 100. In some embodiments, thetarget can be approximately 200 to approximately 600 yards away, but thetarget can also be closer or farther away than that range. The scope 170can also be employed to change the field of view. The first mirror 130Aallows the image to be reflected to the second mirror 1308 along a firstoptical path. In addition, the first mirror 130A allows the image to bepassed through or transmitted along a second different optical path tothe eyepiece 120 of the camera mount system 100. In some embodiments,the first optical path may be substantially perpendicular to the secondoptical path.

In some embodiments, a first portion of the light of the image isreflected along the first optical path, and a second portion of thelight of the image is transmitted along the second different opticalpath. In some embodiments, the image propagating along the first opticalpath is the same as the image propagating along the second optical path.In some embodiments, the image propagating along the first optical pathand the image propagating along the second optical path have the same ordifferent light intensities, same or different amplitudes, same ordifferent polarizations, and/or same or different orientation. In someembodiments, additional optical elements (e.g., mirrors, lenses, beamsplitters, etc.) can be added to effect changes in light intensities,amplitudes, polarizations, orientations, magnification, focus, etc.and/or to add create and/or combine additional optical paths.

The user sees the image traveling along the second optical path throughthe eyepiece 120 of the camera mount system 100. Thus, the user is usingthe optics of the scope 170 without interference from electronicdisplays (e.g., electronic screens).

The image received by the second mirror 1308 may be reflected upwardwithin the housing 110 and focused by the lenses 132A-132C before beingreflected by the mirror 130C to the camera 160 via the lenses 132E and132D and sensor tube 134. It should be noted that the lenses 132A-132Eare optional and one or more, or even all of the lenses may be omitted,depending on the focal requirements of the sensor 160. The sensor tube134 may provide optical isolation for the sensor 160. In addition, theentire light path within the housing 110 may be enclosed via anon-reflective surface. Depending on the optical power of the scope 170,one or more of the lenses 132A-132D may not be needed, as the number oflenses shown is merely an example. The optical signal path is shown inFIG. 1 by the dashed line, and directions into or out of the plane ofthe figure are indicated by a circle with a dot in the center (directedout of the plane of the figure) or a circle with an “X” within (directedinto the plane of the figure).

Light redirected to the camera 160 may be recorded and/or re-transmittedto other devices, such as a smart phone or other device. In someembodiments, the image may reflected by the second mirror 130B in adirection that is different (e.g., substantially opposite, at an angle,at substantially 90°, etc.) with respect to the direction defined by theimage transmission direction through the first mirror 130A to the eye190 of the user. In some embodiments, the image is reflected by each ofthe mirrors 130A-130C in a direction that is substantially perpendicularto the direction of light propagation through the scope 170.

In some embodiments, the scope 170 may be integrated with the cameramount system 100 and the camera 160. For example, the scope 170 canhouse the first mirror 130A (e.g., the beam splitter) and/or one or morecamera sensors which receive reflected light from the first mirror 130A.Light passing through the first mirror 130A can go to the eye 190 of theuser via an eyepiece of the scope 170, for example.

In some embodiments, the image received by the camera 160 has alreadybeen magnified and/or focused and/or the field of view has already beenset by the scope 170 and/or the camera mount system 100. Thus, in someembodiments, the camera 160 can be a simplified, stream-lined,light-weight camera, sensor, or other type of recording device. In someembodiments, the camera 160 might or might not have the optical elements(e.g., large lenses) used for magnifying, focusing, and/or changing thefield of view. In some embodiments, the magnification and/or focusingand/or adjustment of the field of view occurs at the scope 170 and thelenses 132A-132E of the camera mount system 100.

In some embodiments, the camera mount system 100 provides precisionoptical alignment between the scope 170, the mirrors 130A-130C, thelenses 132A-132E, and the camera 160. The camera mount system 100provides adjustments so that, for example, the camera 160 and the scope170 are concentric and the optical axes are aligned. Spacers allow thehousing 110 of the camera mount system 100 to be placed on the scope 170with concentricity maintained via spacer adjustments. In addition, thehousing 110 provides other adjustment mechanisms, such as adjustmentscrews, to fine tune the concentric alignment.

In some embodiments, the camera mount system 100 can provide highprecision alignment, thereby enabling the camera mount system 100 toeffectively record images and/or video through the scope 170. In someembodiments, a large monitor and high magnification is used to preciselyalign, for example, the scope 170 with the mount system 100 to createprecisely centered video and/or images.

In some embodiments, the camera mount system 100 integrates seamlesslywith the scope 170, thereby allowing the user full use of the useroptics and, if applicable, proper function of the weapon. The cameramount system 100 is also robust unlike other systems (e.g., systemsbased on mounting a smartphone) which do not fit well together and/orare not ergonomic. Those other systems are difficult to align and oftenmove out of alignment, for example, when shooting the weapon. Inaddition, those other systems are disadvantageous in that eye relief isgreatly reduced or completely sacrificed, because the focal plane of thescope is at a distance from the eyepiece 120. The camera mount system100 overcomes these issues with respect to the other systems because ofthe extended optical path in the housing 110 via the mirrors 130A-130Cand lenses 132A-132E. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, thedistance between the end of the scope 170 and the outer surface of theeyepiece 120 is 1 to 3 inches, in contrast to existing systems with muchlonger distance needed to meet the image plane requirements of the scope170, resulting in significant lost eye relief. Reduced eye relief cancause safety issues where the eyepiece can injure the user's eye due tothe recoil of the weapon upon firing.

In some embodiments in which one or both of the camera 160 and thecamera mount system 100 are battery operated, the user can still lookthrough the eyepiece 120 of the camera mount system 100 even if one orboth of the camera 160 and the camera mount system 100 are no longerpowered. Further, the user can also employ the functionality of themount 150 if the mount 150 includes a flip-to-side mount and flip thehousing 110 of the camera mount system 100 and the attached camera 160to the side, thereby giving the user access to the scope 170 without thecamera mount system 100 therebetween.

In some embodiments, one or both of the camera 160 and the camera mountsystem 100 provide a display that can be used to display images and/orvideo captured and/or live-streamed by the camera 160. The display canalso show what the camera 160 and/or the scope 170 is viewing. In someembodiments, one or both of the camera 160 and the camera mount system100 can include one or more wireless transceivers and/or antennas thatprovide wireless communications (e.g., WiFi communications, Bluetoothcommunications, cellular communications, IEEE 802.11 communications,wireless local area network communications, wide area networkcommunications, wireless network communications, etc.) and/or wiredcommunications so that images and/or video captured and/or live-streamedby the camera 160 can be shared with other communication devices thatmight also have respective displays on which to view images and/or videocaptured or live-streamed by the camera 160. Similarly, one or both ofthe camera 160 and the camera mount system 100 can also receive,re-transmit, and/or display images and/or video captured and/orlive-streamed by other devices.

In some embodiments, the scope 170 includes a spotting scope or othertype of scope or viewer to which the camera mount system 100 isattached. In some embodiments, the camera mount system 100 can adapt toany optic, for example, even an optic with an approximately 0 millimeteror inches to approximately 0.5 millimeter or inches eye relief, forexample. In some embodiments, the camera mount system 100 can adapt toan optic with other eye relief distances and/or ranges. In someembodiments, the camera 160 with a display can be mounted to thespotting scope 170, for example, and the display can show images and/orvideo capture or live-streamed by the camera 160. The display can show,for example, the view of whatever the spotting scope is pointed at. Thedisplay can be part of the spotting scope 170, the camera 170, thecamera mount system 100, and/or another device. Multiple viewers canthen watch the display. In addition, the camera 160, the spotting scope170, and/or the camera mount system 100 can provide wireless and/orwired communications to other devices with displays (e.g., smartphones,laptops, wearable displays, screens, computers, monitors, etc.) so thatothers may watch using their respective displays and/or communicationdevices.

In an example scenario, the camera 160 is integrated in the camera mountsystem 100 as an integrated sensor within the same housing. By adjustingthe mounting of the mount 100 to the scope 170, the camera 160 or camerasensors can record the crosshairs along with the full magnification ofthe scope 170. In some embodiments, the full magnification and/orcrosshairs can be incorporated into any high precision alignment process(e.g., the alignment process of one or more of the scope 170, the cameramount system 100, and the camera 160).

In some embodiments, the mirror 130A comprising a beam splitter may havetransmissivity of between approximately 30% to approximately 70%. Insome embodiments, the mirror 130A may have transmissivity smaller thanapproximately 30% and/or larger than approximately 70%. Thetransmissivity may be fixed or adjustable. In some embodiments, thetransmissivity may be changed to adjust the amount of light going to theeye and/or camera depending on the light gathering capability of theoptics and/or the ambient conditions. In some embodiments, the camerasensor size corresponds to the lens size and the size of the requiredspace on the scope 170. In some embodiments, the angle of the incidenceonto the mirror 130A or other optical elements is approximately 45°. Insome embodiments, the angle of incidence onto the beam splitter and/orother optical elements is fixed or adjustable from approximately 45° oranother angle to some other angle. For example, by customizing the beamsplitter using compounding angles such as by changing the angle awayfrom approximately 45°, a much thinner beam splitter may be employed andeye clearance distance may be gained. Further, the other opticalelements (e.g., lenses, mirrors, etc.) of the scope 170 can be used toincrease eye relief. In some embodiments, optical elements (e.g.,lenses, mirrors, etc.) of the scope 170 and the camera sensor, forexample, may be on an adjustable track for improved compatibility atshort eye reliefs. This configuration enables the distance to beadjusted from the camera or camera sensors to the scope according to theeye relief of the scope.

In some embodiments, the first mirror 130A or another mirror maycomprise a coating (e.g., an anti-reflective coating) that prevents orreduces extraneous light (e.g., ambient light entering the housing 110via the eyepiece 120) from reaching the camera 160 and/or a camerasensor. The housing 110 may comprise a flat black color inside tofurther reduce extraneous light reflectivity.

In some embodiments, the housing 110 of the camera mount system 100 maybe structured to hold the camera 160 and the scope 170. In someembodiments, one or both of the camera 160 and the scope 170 can beintegrated into the camera mount system 100 into a single device.Referring to FIG. 1 a first end 123 of the housing 110 of the cameramount system 100 may receive the scope 170. One or more clamps may beused to tighten the housing 110 of the camera mount system 100 aroundthe scope 170. A second end 133 of the housing 110 of the camera mountsystem 100 comprises the eyepiece 133. A distance between the first end123 and second end 133 may be less than an inch to approximately 3inches.

The first end 123 of the housing 110 may receive, hold, and/or mount thescope 170. Some mounting options include, for example, a strap, a Velcrostrap, a hook-and-look fastener strap, a rubber adjustable strap, aclamp, a two piece clam style clamp, a connection, a quick detach camconnection, a collapsing collet system including multiple collet sizesand/or a pressure cap separate piece, a sleeve, a slip on sleeve withlocking screws, different sized spacers to effectively change a scopediameter to fit the housing 110 of the camera mount system 100, two boltclamps with spacers, and/or other mounting elements. Although shown ascircular, the end 123 may take on different shapes and sizes accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of a scope according to the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the scope 200 includes an objectivelens system 210, a lens reversal system 220, a beam splitter 230, animage sensor 240 (e.g., one or more image sensors), and an eyepiece 250.Thus, the scope 200 and/or scope housing includes at least some of thefeatures and/or elements of the camera 160 and/or the camera mountsystem 100. In some embodiments, the beam splitter 230 and the imagesensor 240 can be positioned and/or re-positioned to different positionsalong the scope optical axis. In some embodiments, the beam splitter 230and/or the image sensor 240 can be adjusted in position along the scopeoptical axis. In some embodiments, the beam splitter 230 and/or theimage sensor 240 can be aligned with high precision as described herein.

In operation, light forming an image enters via the objective lenssystem 210 of the scope 200. As shown, the image is upside down afterpassing through the objective lens system 210. The image is turned rightside up (or reversed) after passing through the lens reversal system220. The lens reversal system 220 can also magnify the image. The imageis then sent through the eyepiece 250 where the image is seen by theuser's eye 260.

In the lens reversal system 220, the beam splitter 230 may be disposedin the light path of the image, thereby splitting the image in two bypartially reflecting the image in a first direction and by partiallytransmitting the image in the second direction. The second direction isthe path to the eyepiece 250. However, the first direction, which may ormay not be substantially perpendicular to the second direction, is thepath to the image sensor which is used to capture images (e.g.,pictures, video, etc.).

Although illustrated as in the lens reversal system 220, someembodiments provide that the beam splitter 230 is disposed elsewherealong the optical path within the scope 200.

FIGS. 3A-3C show different views of an example embodiment of the cameramount system, in accordance with an example embodiment of thedisclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, there is shown camera mount 300with a side view in FIG. 3A, a scope-side view in FIG. 3B, and aneyepiece-side view in FIG. 3C. The side view of FIG. 3A shows the scopeopening where a collar 303 and clasp handle 305 may be operable to affixa scope to the mount 300. A different spacer may be placed within thecollar 303 as needed to mate to different scope sizes. The housing 310comprises the external structure of the mount 300 and providesstructural support and optical isolation for internal opticalcomponents, and also comprises a battery compartment 301 with lid 301A.

In the scope-side view of FIG. 3B, the internal mirror/beam splitter 330is visible, which may be operable to allow light into the mount 300 froma scope and pass a portion of the incoming light to the eyepiece 320,shown in the eyepiece-side view of FIG. 3C, while also reflecting aportion of the optical signal laterally to other optics in the mount300, not visible in these views. The eyepiece-side view of FIG. 3C showsthe eyepiece 320, which comprises a transparent optical element that mayalso comprise an anti-reflection coating to prevent glare. The eyepiece320 also provides isolation from the elements for optical componentswithin the mount 300.

In an example scenario, the scope to be attached to the mount 300 may beinserted into the collar 303 such that the scope is adjacent to themirror/beam splitter 330 and the distance from an eyepiece of the scopeto the eyepiece 320 may be less than two inches and preferablyapproximately 1 inch, meaning that eye relief to the scope is similar tothe situation of not having the mount 300. This is in contrast toconventional camera mounts with cell phones or digital cameras, where amuch larger reduction in eye relief occurs.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the camera mount, in accordancewith an example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, thereis shown mount 400 with the components separated to show internal parts.FIG. 4 shows the battery housing 401, with battery 401B, and housingdoor 401A. In addition, collar 403 is shown with clasp handle 405 foraffixing a scope to the mount 400. Internal optical components 415 arealso shown, where the internal optical components 415 may compriseslenses, mirrors, and beam splitters, for example. In FIG. 4, the opticalcomponents 415 may comprise a beam splitter 430A, mirrors 430B and 430C,and lenses 432, similar to the optical elements described above withrespect to FIG. 1. As in FIG. 1, the lenses 432 may be optional,depending on the focusing requirements of the sensor and the otheroptics of the system.

There is also shown electronics module 420, which may comprise a circuitboard, for example, with circuitry for controlling the camera/sensor inthe mount 400 (not visible in this view). The module 420 may thereforecomprise a processor, memory, power management, communicationscircuitry, and sensor driver/readout circuitry, for example. The housingcap 411 may comprise a removable portion of the housing 310, which mayprovide environmental protection and optical isolation for the opticalcomponents 415.

FIG. 5 shows two views of internal optical components in the cameramount, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown camera mount internal components 500comprising internal optical components 515 and electronics module 520.The internal optical components comprise beam splitter 530A, mirrors530B and 530C, and lenses 532. The lenses 532 may comprise one or morelenses and/or one or more spacers for communicating an optical signalbetween mirrors 530B and 530C. In addition, one or more lenses and/orspacers may be situated between the mirror 530C and the camera/sensor560, where the lensing may enable the image focal plane to coincide withthe plane of the camera/sensor 560. As described above, the lenses andspacers may be optional, depending on the focusing requirements of thesensor 560 and other optics of the system.

The optical paths are approximated by the dashed lines in FIG. 5,showing the source optical signal from a scope (not shown) split by thebeam splitter 530A, with one portion passing through to the eyepiece andanother portion reflected laterally to the mirror 530B. The signalreflected to the mirror 530B may then be reflected upwards through thelenses 532 where it may be reflected again by the mirror 530C to thecamera/sensor 560. The optical path length in the optics 515 isconfigured to coincide with the focal length of an eyepiece of a scopecoupled to the camera mount. In this manner, the image is focused on thesensor and on the user's eye.

The electronics module 520, as described previously, may comprisecircuitry for controlling the camera/sensor 560 and any other circuitryin the camera mount, and therefore may comprise power circuitry, acontroller, memory, communications circuitry, and sensor bias/readoutcircuitry, for example. In addition, one or more I/O ports may becoupled to the module 520 for communicating with external devices via awired connection and also for charging of a battery in the camera mount.

There is also shown a USB-C port 521 and a SC card port 523 coupled tothe electronics module 520, although other ports and storage media arepossible. The port 521 enables the download of images and/or videocaptured by the sensor 560 and stored on an SC card in the port 523, forexample.

FIG. 6 shows further views of the internal optical components of acamera mount, in accordance with an example embodiment of thedisclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown internal components of acamera mount comprising battery compartment 601, internal opticalcomponents 615, and electronics module 620. The battery compartment 601and electronics module 620 may be similar to similar componentsdescribed previously, and similarly the optical components 615 maycomprise beam splitter 630A, mirrors 630B and 630C, lenses 632, andcamera/sensor 660. The number of lenses 632 shown is merely an example,and any number of lenses, including zero, may be utilized depending onthe focusing requirements of the sensor 660 and the other optics of thesystem.

There is also shown optical path housing 640, which comprises a housingfor protecting the optical path from unwanted optical signals as wellsas protecting the optical components, such as the beam splitter 630A,mirrors 630B and 630C, lenses 632, and camera/sensor 660, from theenvironment. The optical path housing 640 may comprise metal, plastic,or other suitable structural material.

As in previous figures, the dashed lines represent an approximatedoptical path, where the input optical signal from a scope (not shown) issplit by the beam splitter 630A with a portion transmitting through thebeam splitter 630A to the eyepiece and the remaining signal reflected tothe mirror 630B. The signal is then reflected upward withing the opticalpath housing 640 through the lenses 632 to mirror 630C, which reflectsthe signal through the remaining lenses 632 to the camera/sensor 660.This optical path length may correspond to the focal length of the scopesuch that the optical signal focal plane coincides with thecamera/sensor 660. This optical path minimizes the loss of eye relief ina scope/rifle configuration.

FIG. 7 shows embodiments of seven spacers for aligning a scope with thecamera mount in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.The spacers 155 can have different thickness and different sized slotsto accommodate different diameters of different scopes, for example. Theslots provide flexibility and diameter tolerance, for example, when thespacers are secured by a clamp, for example, of the housing 110. Eachspacer 155 is interchangeable and can be inserted into a mounting collarof the camera mount, such as collar 303 in FIG. 3. In some embodiments,adjustment for aligning the center of the scope optic with respect tothe center of the camera view can be achieved by structuring the spacersas nonconcentric spacers 155. In some embodiments, the nonconcentricspacers 155 are made of nylon, but other materials may be used. Theinside diameter of the nonconcentric spacer 155 that is inserted in thecollar, for example, does not share a common center point with theoutside diameter of the nonconcentric spacer 155. Thus, by generallyrotating the spacer around the longitudinal axis of the collar, forexample, the center of the scope optic can be adjusted with respect tothe center of the camera view. In some embodiments, by generallyrotating the spacer around the longitudinal axis of the collar, forexample, the spacer 155 changes the true position of the camera mountsystem on the scope's objective, thereby enabling centering of thevideo, for example, being recorded. In some embodiments, the cross hairsof the scope can be moved to the center of the camera view (e.g., videoview, etc.) by rotating a nonconcentric spacer 155.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the camera mount system according to thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the camera mount system 800 isstructured so that it does not flip out of the way. Instead, the entirecamera mount system can be removed from or mounted on the scope 860 ofthe rifle 850, which can be a tool less operation (e.g., using alever-style quick attached/detach mechanism). Some embodiments providethat the camera mount system has dimensions of approximately3.1×2.3×2.75 inches and can have a weight of less than approximately 10ounces. Further, the housing of the camera mount system 800 iswaterproof. In some embodiments, the housing is made of aluminum.

The camera mount system 800 is removably attached to the scope 860which, in turn, is attached to the weapon 850 (e.g., rifle). Althoughillustrated as being attached to rifle, the camera mount system 800 maybe removably attached to any type of weapon, platform, tripod, bipod,etc. Further, the camera mount system 800 may be handheld and/or freestanding.

FIGS. 9A-G show an embodiment of a camera mount system in which thefirst housing is open. FIG. 9C shows a beam splitter 930 that is betweenthe scope and the eye of the user. In some embodiments, the beamsplitter redirects some of the incoming light (e.g., ½ stop of light) tothe one or more camera lenses and the one or more sensors that are alsowithin the mount. The compounding angle of the beam splitter from theobjective is configured to allow the alignment of the light source withthe first of the one or more mirrors (which can be inside a directingtube, for example). FIG. 9D shows light funneled into the directing tubefrom the beam splitter, where the camera lens is visible through thereflection in the deflecting mirror.

FIG. 9G shows an embodiment of a compounding angle for the beamsplitter. In some embodiments, the beam splitter is not a flat mirror,but is egg shaped. Light may be funneled into a directing tube from thebeam splitter. In some embodiments, the directing tube houses the one ormore mirrors and lenses.

In FIG. 9E, mirrors may be located at each corner or change in directionof the directing tube 470 to direct the light to the one or more lensesand camera/sensor. In some embodiments, the length of the directing tube470 can be changed to set the distance between the objective lens of thehost optic (e.g., the scope) and the camera sensor. By reflecting theincoming light off of multiple mirrors, the camera eye relief can beextended while maintaining a small footprint or minimizing overall size.Depending on the application, a different number of mirrors and/or adifferent distance between the camera sensor and the objective lens ofthe scope can be configured without changing the footprint or overallsize of the camera mount system. Different lengths of directing tube 470can be used depending on the application. In some embodiments, thedirecting tube 470 is produced via 3-D printing. Different distances canalso be made by adding or subtracting the number of mirrors, and/oradding or subtracting the number of twists and turns in the directingtube 470. In some embodiments, 4 mirrors were used, but the presentdisclosure contemplates using more or less than 4 mirrors. In someembodiments, the distance from the camera sensor to the objective of thescope along the light path should be the same as the distance betweenthe eye of the user and the objective of the scope.

The camera mount may also comprise, for example, different types ofinput/output (I/O) ports, one or more processors, camera hardware,firmware, and/or software, power management hardware, firmware, and/orsoftware, wireless and/or wired communications hardware and software,one or more displays, indicators (e.g., LED lights), I/O devices (e.g.,buttons, displays, touch sensitive screens, graphical buttons, graphicalelements, graphical user interfaces, etc.), a storage device, a memory,a memory card, one or more memory slots, etc. For example, indicatorLEDs can provide information about battery charge, memory capacity,and/or mode (e.g., power mode, camera mode, communication mode, etc.).In some embodiments, the indicatory LEDs are visible from a preferreddirection so as to avoid off-axis detection. Buttons such as a modebutton, for example, can be provided camera mount housing that changesthe mode of the camera (e.g., standard video mode, high resolution videomode, picture mode, low light mode, slow motion mode, etc.). Otherbuttons or switches may be provided for record on/off and/or poweron/off, for example. In some embodiments, simple controls are providedwith easily distinguishable button features (e.g., a large M button forchanging modes). The housing may provide types of ports such as USB-typeports, HDMI ports, and power ports. Power ports can be used to rechargebatteries 401B in the battery housing 301/401 by plugging the cameramount system 300/400 to a power source such as, for example, an AC powersupply (e.g., a wall outlet) or a DC power supply. In some embodiments,an external battery pack or other power supply is provided, via a powerport, for example, so that the batteries in the camera mount system300/400 may be changed without powering off the camera, for example.Thus, if an external battery pack is connected, then the batteries maybe changed even without any break in recording by the camera. Theexternal power supply can also be used to power the camera even if thebatteries are completely drained, or to recharge batteries of the cameramount system 300/400.

The film through scope camera mount systems disclosed herein may be incommunications (e.g., wireless and/or wired communications) with awireless communication device (e.g., a remote control/monitor, a smartphone, a computing tablet, a laptop, a computer, etc.). The video and/orimages received by the camera can be transmitted to a device fordisplay. In some embodiments, multiple camera mount systems can sendvideo and/or images to a device that can concurrently display all orsome of the videos from the multiple camera mount systems.

In some embodiments, a mobile app or similar software or firmware on amobile device (e.g., smart phone, etc.) or the camera mount system canwork with or be integrated with an Android Team Awareness Kit or AndroidTactical Assault Kit (ATAK) situational awareness platform. Through sucha mobile app or similar software, cameras from multiple camera mountsystems can be viewed simultaneously on a device using a split screen.Different views can be individually be selected and enlarged from thesplit screen. This can be useful streamed, real time video informationto coordinate military and/or enforcement operations.

In some embodiments, such sharing of video can be quite useful formarksmanship training because an instructor can see through all therifle optics of all the camera mount systems on one device when thestudents are holding for windage and elevation.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described which provide a filmthrough scope camera mount comprising a housing that comprises a beamsplitter, first and second mirrors, and a sensor. The camera mountsystem may receive an input optical signal from a first direction; splitthe input optical signal using the beam splitter such that a firstportion of the input optical signal is communicated out of the cameramount system in a second direction and a second portion of the inputoptical signal is reflected lateral to the first direction; reflect thereflected signal vertically using the first mirror; reflect thevertically reflected signal in a second lateral direction using thesecond mirror; and receive the signal reflected by the second mirror inthe sensor.

The sensor may comprise a visible light sensor and/or an infraredsensor. The housing may comprise an eyepiece through which the firstportion of the optical signal is transmitted. The input optical signalmay be received from a host optical device coupled to the housing. Adistance from the eyepiece of the housing and an eyepiece of the hostoptical device may be less than 2 inches. A distance along an opticalpath from an eye of a user to the eyepiece of the host optical devicemay be the same as a distance along an optical path from the eyepiece ofthe host optical device to the sensor. The distance along the opticalpath from the eyepiece of the host optical device to the sensor maycorrespond to a focal length of the eyepiece of the host optical device.The host optical device may comprise a scope mounted on a weapon. One ormore lenses is between the first and second mirrors and/or one or morelenses may be between the second mirror and the sensor.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described which provide a filmthrough scope camera mount system. The camera mount system may include,for example, a first optical element and a second optical element.Incoming light from a scope on a weapon, for example, may be partiallytransmitted and partially reflected by the first optical element. Thepartially transmitted light passes through an eyepiece to a viewer(e.g., a shooter). The partially reflected light may be reflected by thesecond optical element and recorded by a recording device (e.g., acamera, a video recorder, sensors, etc.). The viewer has direct accessto the scope optics, and the recording device and the viewer have accessto the same view through the scope optics.

Some embodiments of the camera mount system according to the presentdisclosure provide that the camera mount system is compatible with anyscope and can be mounted, via a film-through-scope mount and/or aflip-to-side mount, for example, on any weapon or other type ofplatform.

Some embodiments according to the present disclosure provide that thescope provides the focusing, magnifying, and/or field-of-viewadjustments, thereby allowing for a lightweight, compact design of thecamera mount system and the camera.

Although some embodiments of the film through scope camera mount systemare described in combination with a scope for use on a weapon, thepresent application is not so limited. For example, the camera mountsystem can be used with different optical systems and/or instruments.Some embodiments provide that the camera mount system is attached and/orintegrated with a spotting scope, a telescope, binoculars, fieldglasses, etc. Some embodiments provide that the camera mount system isattached and/or integrated with an arrangement and/or system of lensesand/or mirrors in which the arrangement and/or system may or may not beportable or mobile.

Some embodiments of the film through scope camera mount system accordingto the present disclosure provide consistency whether the camera mountsystem is used or not. A shooter, for example, will look through thescope in the same way whether the camera mount system is present or not,or whether the camera mount system is in place or flipped to the sidevia a flip-to-side mount, for example. This results in the shooter beingable to easily locate and track a moving target, for example. Further,there is no eye strain from the camera mount system unlike digitalscreens that prohibit the user from viewing through the optic of thescope. In addition, the camera mount system allows the user to recordvideo or capture images from the same view as seen through the scope.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tocertain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition,many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation ormaterial to the teachings of the present disclosure without departingfrom its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosurenot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that thepresent disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A camera mount system, comprising: a housing that comprises a beamsplitter, first and second mirrors, and a sensor, wherein the cameramount system is operable to: receive an input optical signal from afirst direction; split the input optical signal using the beam splittersuch that a first portion of the input optical signal is communicatedout of the camera mount system in a second direction and a secondportion of the input optical signal is reflected lateral to the firstdirection; reflect the reflected signal vertically using the firstmirror; reflect the vertically reflected signal in a second lateraldirection using the second mirror; and receive the signal reflected bythe second mirror in the sensor.
 2. The camera mount system according toclaim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a visible light sensor.
 3. Thecamera mount system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprisesan infrared sensor.
 4. The camera mount system according to claim 1,wherein the housing comprises an eyepiece through which the firstportion of the optical signal is transmitted.
 5. The camera mount systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the input optical signal is received froma host optical device coupled to the housing.
 6. The camera mount systemaccording to claim 5, wherein a distance from the eyepiece of thehousing and an eyepiece of the host optical device is less than 2inches.
 7. The camera mount system according to claim 5, wherein adistance along an optical path from an eye of a user to the eyepiece ofthe host optical device is the same as a distance along an optical pathfrom the eyepiece of the host optical device to the sensor.
 8. Thecamera mount system according to claim 7, wherein the distance along theoptical path from the eyepiece of the host optical device to the sensorcorresponds to a focal length of the eyepiece of the host opticaldevice.
 9. The camera mount system according to claim 5, wherein thehost optical device comprises a scope mounted on a weapon.
 10. Thecamera mount system according to claim 1, wherein one or more lenses isbetween the first and second mirrors and/or one or more lenses isbetween the second mirror and the sensor.
 11. A method of opticalprocessing in a camera mount, the method comprising: in a housing thatcomprises a beam splitter, first and second mirrors, and a sensor:receiving an input optical signal from a first direction; splitting theinput optical signal using the beam splitter such that a first portionof the input optical signal is communicated out of the camera mountsystem in a second direction and a second portion of the input opticalsignal is reflected lateral to the first direction; reflecting thereflected signal vertically using the first mirror; reflecting thevertically reflected signal in a second lateral direction using thesecond mirror; and receiving the signal reflected by the second mirrorin the sensor.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the sensorcomprises a visible light sensor.
 13. The method according to claim 11,wherein the sensor comprises an infrared sensor.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein the housing comprises an eyepiece throughwhich the first portion of the optical signal is transmitted.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein the input optical signal isreceived from a host optical device coupled to the housing.
 16. Themethod according to claim 15, wherein a distance from the eyepiece ofthe housing and an eyepiece of the host optical device is less than 2inches.
 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein a distance alongan optical path from an eye of a user to the eyepiece of the hostoptical device is the same as a distance along an optical path from theeyepiece of the host optical device to the sensor.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the distance along the optical path fromthe eyepiece of the host optical device to the sensor corresponds to afocal length of the eyepiece of the host optical device.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the host optical device comprises a scopemounted on a weapon.
 20. A camera mount system, comprising: a housingcoupled to a host optical device, the housing comprising a beamsplitter, first and second mirrors, and a sensor, wherein the cameramount system is operable to: receive an input optical signal from afirst direction; split the input optical signal using the beam splittersuch that a first portion of the input optical signal is communicatedout of the camera mount system in a second direction and a secondportion of the input optical signal is reflected lateral to the firstdirection; reflecting the reflected signal vertically using the firstmirror; reflecting the vertically reflected signal in a second lateraldirection using the second mirror; and receiving the signal reflected bythe second mirror in the sensor.